PP Editor’s Blog: Woolmet Juveniles/ South Florida Sponsors/ SPA KO/Big Music Concert/ Archie Kenneth Quaich

Anyone who thought the prevalence of girls in today’s pipe bands is a relatively new phenomenon should have a look at the above picture of the Woolmet Colliery Juvenile Pipe Band. It’s from a 1949 edition of the Piping, Dancing and Highland Dancing Journal. The story reads: ‘The Woolmet Colliery Juvenile Pipe Band, one of the young bands of the Lothians and Borders Branch [of the RSPBA] was founded in…

Some Thoughts on Ceol Mor and Its Study

A manuscript sample of the well-known tune Lament for the Viscount of Dundee, aka Cumha Chlaibhers or Lament for Claverhouse, has been forwarded by Dr J David Hester PhD of the Alt Pibroch Club website. (There is new a letter from Mr Hester in our Letters column.) I believe the sample may have come via piobaireachd analyst Barnaby Brown and has the comment ‘We’re playing it wrong’ attached. The music…

PP Editor’s Blog: Greater Glasgow Police Pipe Band

The October 2015 edition of the RSPBA’s ‘Pipe Band’ magazine is now available from the RSPBA website. Readers might also like to download the issues of the magazine from April and July last year which has a full interview with former Glasgow Police P/M Duncan Nicolson. Click on the back numbers option on the RSPBA site. I think it a brave decision by Duncan to stand down after three years in…

Duncan Steps Down at Greater Glasgow Police

Greater Glasgow Police Pipe Band have today issued the following statement: Greater Glasgow Police Pipe Band – Iain MacPherson new P/M ‘Greater Glasgow Police Pipe band announce a change in leadership with Pipe Major Duncan Nicholson swapping roles with Pipe Sergeant Iain MacPherson. ‘Duncan [pictured above left leading the band this season] has led the band for five years, assisted by Iain, and their guidance of the band in partnership…

PP Editor’s Blog: Pipe Band Magazine/Classic Piobaireachd/ SPA/ Piob Soc Conf.

The latest free, digital edition of Pipe Band Magazine will be available from tomorrow. The front cover has a super picture of the new World Champion Pipe Major, Ryan Canning of Shotts & Dykehead. Inside there is an interview with Ryan and another with his Leading Drummer Jim Kilpatrick. In addition the magazine has an extensive picture gallery of Worlds winners. The magazine, the official publication of the RSPBA, then…